I just got this camera a few days ago and have been very impressed with it! I know it could be a bit long of a focal length but if you haven’t tried the 75mm1.2 from viltrox you should it’s just as great as the 27mm
yeah, have it and shot 2 weddings with it on the camera. paired with the 75mm (viltrox) on the other camera for a selected portion of the wedding day. both very commendable
Ever since I got this lens it has been attached to my xt5, it’s as sharp as my GM full frame glass and has a bit of a swirly bokeh when shooting backgrounds with foliage. Af as you mentioned is also surprisingly accurate even at f1.2 which is something I can’t say of my former sigma 35mm f1.2 dg dn. Excited to see what viltrox will bring to the table with their next offering, this 27mm was a home run in my book!
Just a heads up, it Weighs 560g not 440g. Stunning images captured with it, I think the Viltrox 75mm is better and there not many FF lens that can even match its output.
Yeah I don't have the 27mm so I can't really speak on behalf of it but in terms of the output it should look like a standard FF kind of lens. The 75mm which I got recently genuinely looks like something between the Nikon 105mm f/1.4 and 135mm f/1.8. It's a stellar lenses, and my favorite use of it is for wedding ceremonies and even moreso during first dances.
Lovely photographs as always Kevin and nice review. I think I will stay with my Fujifilm 23mm f1.4, second version. I personally love the 35mm FF equivalent.
I was curious about your perspective on this lens as you do a great job of explaining lenses *in use*. A question though: since you're keeping it in the bag, for what kind of situations do you think you'll be pulling it out? Low light situations like late dances? Either way, thanks for making and sharing the video.
More than likely for very busy drinks receptions where the 18 is a bit too wide. Also, where I want to make the most of a bit more depth of field. I have the 23mm of course, but that extra stop of light can make all the difference.
I shot my first wedding yesterday with that combo, Viltrox 27mm f1.2 , Viltrox 75mm f1.2 and XF 18mm f1.2 and it was a beautiful trifecta for an outdoor wedding. For indoor the 56mm I think would be better then the 75mm. I have the sigma 56mm f1.4 and its a beautiful lens even on the 40mp xt5 but i am considering the XF 56mm f1.2 mainly for the aperture ring, also the better flare resistance and wider aperture would be beneficial i think
Absolutely fantastic review as always Kev. I've been on the fence about this lens, I've currently got the 23mm 1.4 and the 56mm 1.4 Viltrox lenses as my work kit and been getting some great results, glad to see such good options out there now! Thanks for the vid!
Looks terrific. Only its weight and lack of linear motor stop me changing my Fuji 33mm f1.4 to it. (I know the Viltrox's stepping motor still autofocuses really well - but just not quite as crisply in Continuous autofocus mode, apparently, which is a mode I use a lot). Well, I also simply want to learn the 33mm (50mm equivalent full frame) as it's a classic focal length.
The 75 got me hooked ..so so good...got it while in japan. Came home n got the 27 and 13. Would have got the 23..56 if they have had a aperture ring w clicks.
Thanks fot the heads up about this video! With you on the 18+56. I quite like 23mm, but prefered it on the x100v as you can get closer without being in the face of the subjects. I also find you have to put in the work with the xf 23 1.4 LM to hit the sweet spot of sharp subject yet still smooth bokeh and pleasant rendering, too far out and it gets harsher. It's a narrow window of fabulousness. I find the 27 1.2 is more forgiving, since you still get rhe shallow depth of field when further out. Softer at the minimum focus distance wide open, some flare, swirly bokeh with eliptcal catchlights. Things to be aware of and to avoid or embrace depending on your pov. I like that it's less than perfect. Although a firmware bump for the AF wouldn't hurt. My head says sell the 23, I prefer the IQ of the 18 anyway and a 1.4x crop on the x-t5 makes it somewhat redundent, not a go to anymore like it used to be. I'm more unsure what to do with the 33! But I think I want that compact, fast option that can also do a job for video. A grab and go when I don't know what I'll be shooting, whereas with the 27 I have a plan for some portraits. We are really spoiled for choice for fast primes... just need some more small lenses!
Your reviews are always outstanding and have helped me in my photography work, and choise of lens I use. Btw, I am not a professional photographer. I am using the Viltrox 27mm f1.2 and the XF18mm f14 with my X-T5 and X-H2 for my streets and events photography, and occassional church weddings for close friends. I noted your low shutter speed and ISO when shooting wide open are definitely something I could not achieve when I shoot wide open with the said lens especially in a church environment. May I know if you use flash for these amazing shots? Merry Christmas and to a great new year!
Fair enough Kev. I assume that the Fujinon 27mm f2.8 (mk2) pancake just isn't fast enough for pro use and/or the overall image quality isn't up to scratch.
Correct. It's not fast enough in both light gathering and AF speed for the type of work I do. I do have the original 27mm and very occasionally use that for street photography.
Thank you Kevin - the shot at 2:28 is was my favorite out of a very strong collection shared here - just perfect! Curious where you place the 27mm in terms of autofocus against the 18mm LM WR and 56mm WR. I have the 23mm LM WR and that lens is my current benchmark for best possible performance in any lighting scenario. I'm sure the 18mm is similar. I absolutely love the rendering of the 56mm, but it is a far tougher lens to shoot with when the lights go down in my experience - unless I have some distance to the subject in which case it performs better. I'd consider Viltrox if I knew it tracked well and acquired quickly in poor light (which is basically any sort of indoor shooting!).
I'd say it's not quite on par with the 18mm and its liner motor. But its not a huge difference. Certainly better in terms of acquisition I feel than the non-linear motor lenses though.
Great advices for this particular focal length. An excellent set of photos to demonstrate the advantages and what to be aware of when buying the lens. Thanks a lot, Kevin.
Damnit, everywhere I look this lens is not available. I did a pre order now but it will be available next year january or so. Is the demand so high or what is going on?
Tried but return. 1) I rather have alens very sharp at F8 instead of very sharp at F2 or F4 for street photogrpahy. 2) Too bulky & too heavy to my liking.
I am with you - I'd rather take the 23mm LM WR / 56mm WR indoors than a 27/75 combo. Frankly the 23 and 33 LM WR's are arguably better choices than the Viltrox lens - both are f/1.4s, lighter/smaller and probably focus better. Very small penalty in terms of ISO/shutter options. The 56mm is a gorgeous lens.
Was going to buy it in a shop last Friday, but sold out 😶 Probably they only had one. Now I must wait or import myself. I will use it for Street, Night and wedding / urban portraits around the city of Copenhagen. Good video 👍🤩 Rgds @knederskovpetersen
Let me know if you have used this lens. What did you think?
I just got this camera a few days ago and have been very impressed with it! I know it could be a bit long of a focal length but if you haven’t tried the 75mm1.2 from viltrox you should it’s just as great as the 27mm
I actually bought the older 85mm Viltrox. MF only, but superb optics. I've heard good things about the 75.
yeah, have it and shot 2 weddings with it on the camera. paired with the 75mm (viltrox) on the other camera for a selected portion of the wedding day. both very commendable
Ever since I got this lens it has been attached to my xt5, it’s as sharp as my GM full frame glass and has a bit of a swirly bokeh when shooting backgrounds with foliage. Af as you mentioned is also surprisingly accurate even at f1.2 which is something I can’t say of my former sigma 35mm f1.2 dg dn. Excited to see what viltrox will bring to the table with their next offering, this 27mm was a home run in my book!
I have the 27mm and 75mm pro lenses and I love them both.
Just a heads up, it Weighs 560g not 440g. Stunning images captured with it, I think the Viltrox 75mm is better and there not many FF lens that can even match its output.
Yeah I don't have the 27mm so I can't really speak on behalf of it but in terms of the output it should look like a standard FF kind of lens. The 75mm which I got recently genuinely looks like something between the Nikon 105mm f/1.4 and 135mm f/1.8. It's a stellar lenses, and my favorite use of it is for wedding ceremonies and even moreso during first dances.
Lovely photographs as always Kevin and nice review. I think I will stay with my Fujifilm 23mm f1.4, second version. I personally love the 35mm FF equivalent.
Good choice!
I was curious about your perspective on this lens as you do a great job of explaining lenses *in use*.
A question though: since you're keeping it in the bag, for what kind of situations do you think you'll be pulling it out? Low light situations like late dances?
Either way, thanks for making and sharing the video.
More than likely for very busy drinks receptions where the 18 is a bit too wide. Also, where I want to make the most of a bit more depth of field.
I have the 23mm of course, but that extra stop of light can make all the difference.
I love it, especially at 1.2. It’s my wedding combo with the Viltrox 75mm 1.2.
Yea, it's a lovely lens.
Interesting! Do you know use any wider lenses? How do you capture the environment, or do you simple just focus more on the people maybe?
Me too...when I get the 27mm 😂😊
I shot my first wedding yesterday with that combo, Viltrox 27mm f1.2 , Viltrox 75mm f1.2 and XF 18mm f1.2 and it was a beautiful trifecta for an outdoor wedding. For indoor the 56mm I think would be better then the 75mm. I have the sigma 56mm f1.4 and its a beautiful lens even on the 40mp xt5 but i am considering the XF 56mm f1.2 mainly for the aperture ring, also the better flare resistance and wider aperture would be beneficial i think
Hello, great video! How does it compare to the Fujinon 33mm f1.4? Which one would you prefer for weddings?
How well it fits with the x-pro optical viewfinder?
Absolutely fantastic review as always Kev. I've been on the fence about this lens, I've currently got the 23mm 1.4 and the 56mm 1.4 Viltrox lenses as my work kit and been getting some great results, glad to see such good options out there now! Thanks for the vid!
No probs :-)
The 75mm is noticably better than the 23 and 56mm lenses. Presumably the 27mm will be too. Will be getting it when available
Looks terrific. Only its weight and lack of linear motor stop me changing my Fuji 33mm f1.4 to it. (I know the Viltrox's stepping motor still autofocuses really well - but just not quite as crisply in Continuous autofocus mode, apparently, which is a mode I use a lot). Well, I also simply want to learn the 33mm (50mm equivalent full frame) as it's a classic focal length.
The 75 got me hooked ..so so good...got it while in japan. Came home n got the 27 and 13. Would have got the 23..56 if they have had a aperture ring w clicks.
Thanks fot the heads up about this video!
With you on the 18+56.
I quite like 23mm, but prefered it on the x100v as you can get closer without being in the face of the subjects. I also find you have to put in the work with the xf 23 1.4 LM to hit the sweet spot of sharp subject yet still smooth bokeh and pleasant rendering, too far out and it gets harsher. It's a narrow window of fabulousness.
I find the 27 1.2 is more forgiving, since you still get rhe shallow depth of field when further out. Softer at the minimum focus distance wide open, some flare, swirly bokeh with eliptcal catchlights. Things to be aware of and to avoid or embrace depending on your pov. I like that it's less than perfect. Although a firmware bump for the AF wouldn't hurt.
My head says sell the 23, I prefer the IQ of the 18 anyway and a 1.4x crop on the x-t5 makes it somewhat redundent, not a go to anymore like it used to be.
I'm more unsure what to do with the 33! But I think I want that compact, fast option that can also do a job for video. A grab and go when I don't know what I'll be shooting, whereas with the 27 I have a plan for some portraits.
We are really spoiled for choice for fast primes... just need some more small lenses!
you show taken photos exif parametrs. big thanks!
happy user as well- but even more heavy (560 g)... the reason to leave it save...
40mm reminds me of my early 80's Konica FS-1 w/40mm lens.
Your reviews are always outstanding and have helped me in my photography work, and choise of lens I use. Btw, I am not a professional photographer. I am using the Viltrox 27mm f1.2 and the XF18mm f14 with my X-T5 and X-H2 for my streets and events photography, and occassional church weddings for close friends. I noted your low shutter speed and ISO when shooting wide open are definitely something I could not achieve when I shoot wide open with the said lens especially in a church environment. May I know if you use flash for these amazing shots? Merry Christmas and to a great new year!
No flash :-)
This lens has a 3D pop, to my eye.
Yea, it's a great lens
Fair enough Kev. I assume that the Fujinon 27mm f2.8 (mk2) pancake just isn't fast enough for pro use and/or the overall image quality isn't up to scratch.
Correct. It's not fast enough in both light gathering and AF speed for the type of work I do. I do have the original 27mm and very occasionally use that for street photography.
Thank you Kevin - the shot at 2:28 is was my favorite out of a very strong collection shared here - just perfect! Curious where you place the 27mm in terms of autofocus against the 18mm LM WR and 56mm WR. I have the 23mm LM WR and that lens is my current benchmark for best possible performance in any lighting scenario. I'm sure the 18mm is similar. I absolutely love the rendering of the 56mm, but it is a far tougher lens to shoot with when the lights go down in my experience - unless I have some distance to the subject in which case it performs better. I'd consider Viltrox if I knew it tracked well and acquired quickly in poor light (which is basically any sort of indoor shooting!).
I'd say it's not quite on par with the 18mm and its liner motor. But its not a huge difference. Certainly better in terms of acquisition I feel than the non-linear motor lenses though.
I love the 40mm focal length, the Fuji 27mm is on my “when I win the lottery” list.
This Viltrox will join it 😎
Honestly after using both, just get the TTArtisan 27mm, it's a cheap but fantastic lens! The best value lens on x-mount imho
Great advices for this particular focal length. An excellent set of photos to demonstrate the advantages and what to be aware of when buying the lens. Thanks a lot, Kevin.
My pleasure!
Damnit, everywhere I look this lens is not available. I did a pre order now but it will be available next year january or so. Is the demand so high or what is going on?
Seems like it's hard to get anything these days :-(
@@kevin_mullins 2 weeks ago it finally arrived. Had to wait 4 months😆
Would you recommend pairing this with Xt30 ii?
Absolutely. I don't see why not.
Are you getting the most of the 40mp off this lens? Just listened to a Podcast you did with Jeff Saddoris, a great listen.
Yea, I think so - renders very well.
@@kevin_mullins Cheers.
Thanks for the excellent review Kev!....and the excellent captures!
Thanks David. Hope all is well with you.
Finally a new video! 🔥 good to see you again
Thank you. And yes, hopefully more to come now Wedding season is at an end. :-)
Awesome review Kev! 😎✌️
Thank you :-)
Most welcome Kev! 🍻
Tried but return.
1) I rather have alens very sharp at F8 instead of very sharp at F2 or F4 for street photogrpahy.
2) Too bulky & too heavy to my liking.
It's certainly a big lens but I don't find any sharpness issues at the mid range at all.
Nice lens, I guess, but I will stick with my Japanese-made Fuji 56 1.2.
I am with you - I'd rather take the 23mm LM WR / 56mm WR indoors than a 27/75 combo. Frankly the 23 and 33 LM WR's are arguably better choices than the Viltrox lens - both are f/1.4s, lighter/smaller and probably focus better. Very small penalty in terms of ISO/shutter options. The 56mm is a gorgeous lens.
Was going to buy it in a shop last Friday, but sold out 😶 Probably they only had one. Now I must wait or import myself. I will use it for Street, Night and wedding / urban portraits around the city of Copenhagen. Good video 👍🤩 Rgds @knederskovpetersen
Seems like most things are sold out these days 😕